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15. A Vessel



OF A VESSEL, To assist in taking Medicine, &c.

I have hesitated a moment to describe this method of helping the weak, in body or mind, to conquer their aversion to medicine--several persons having threatened me with a larger dose of ridicule than I am prepared to swallow. But surely, if we can only conquer a child's timidity, so as to induce him to take, speedily, what his health requires, we shall not do a thing altogether laughable. We shall, perhaps, preserve a beloved child to the solicitude of a mother! and perhaps--a citizen to his country! If then, some laugh, more will approve; and I therefore continue the promised article.



Fig. 4 of Plate 48, shews this cup, composed of an inner and an outer vessel: the first to hold the medicine, and the latter a little tea, or other proper liquid to wash it down. The cups have a spout common to both; but the outer cup retains it's contents as long as the small funnel a, is stopped with the thumb or finger. Thus then, the medicine is first taken, while the liquid is retained in the outer vessel--but the thumb being removed, the liquid also flows into the mouth, and in a good measure removes the taste it was wished to disguise.